appetizers

1. Mix 3 packages cream cheese and the Cheddar cheese; divide into 3 equal parts. Combine 2 parts to equal two-thirds of mixture; mix in pesto. Mix onion, mustard and pepper sauce into remaining one-third mixture.

2. Cover each cheese mixture and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm enough to shape. Shape each cheese mixture into ball. Wrap each ball, label and freeze. May be frozen up to 1 month ahead.

3. About 12 hours before serving, remove balls from freezer. Thaw in wrappers in refrigerator.

4. Arrange balls on serving plate with smaller ball on top for head of snowman. Frost snowman with whipped cream cheese before serving. Decorate as desired. Serve with crackers. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 7 cups spread

Use your imagination to decorate this whimsical snowman! You can use fresh rosemary and dried cranberries (crown), chopped olive pieces or raisins (eyes and buttons), pimiento or red bell pepper (mouth), radicchio or carrot ribbon (scarf), and asparagus spears or celery sticks (arms).

Nutritional Info Per 1 Tablespoon: Calories 42 (Calories from Fat 35); Fat 4g (Saturated 2g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 45mg; Potassium 15mg; Carbohydrate 0g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 2g

Diet Exchanges: 1 Fat

This recipe displayed with permission from General Mills, Inc.